Protest erupted in Kangpokpi's Saikul Sub Division as residents voiced their strong opposition to replace the 22nd Assam Rifles with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in various parts of Kangpokpi district, including Saikul.
Lun Mate, a prominent Kuki-Zo leader from Saikul, argued during the protest that the decision to replace the Assam Rifles with the CRPF is illogical and unacceptable.
He emphasised that if the situation necessitates the removal of a specific unit or battalion of the Assam Rifles, it should be replaced by another Assam Rifles battalion or, if deemed ineffective, by a stronger military presence such as the army.
Saikul's protest against the removal of Assam Rifles serves as a united declaration from the Kuki-Zo people in the region, making their stance clear, that they cannot allow this unjust removal to proceed.
"The message is loud and clear," Mate said at the protest. "We will not stand by while decisions are made that compromise our safety and well-being."
Mate also called on the Ministry of Home Affairs to act impartially when making decisions related to the Manipur conflict, and demanded that the voices of the local population be heard and considered, highlighting that they are equal citizens of India and deserve fair treatment.
Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills have made an urgent appeal for the Assam Rifles to remain stationed in Manipur, highlighting their crucial role in maintaining peace and stability amid ongoing ethnic clashes in the region.
The organisation strongly warned that withdrawing the Assam Rifles could severely threaten efforts to restore harmony and might lead to public unrest. The Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills emphasized that any public disturbances or fury resulting from the withdrawal would not be their responsibility.
The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) has also criticized the decision to remove the Assam Rifles (AR) from Manipur, expressing deep concern over allegations of partiality towards the minority Kuki community. The organization views this move as a troubling development that exacerbates existing grievances and marginalizes the Kuki people.
KWOHR emphasized that the decision to withdraw the AR appears to validate baseless accusations, reinforcing the perception that the concerns of the Kuki community are being disregarded by both the state and central governments. They argued that the Kuki community harbour no ill will towards the central paramilitary forces, seeing this action as a response to populist pressures aimed at appeasing the majority community.
The organisation highlighted the importance of balancing the power of the majority with the protection of minority rights in a democracy.
KWOHR called on the government of India to uphold the democratic principles and ensure that minority communities like the Kukis are not suppressed. They urged the government to guarantee equal access to rights, resources, and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of pressures from dominant groups.
KWOHR further appealed to the government to recognize and address the grievances of the Kuki community, emphasizing the importance of equal treatment and justice for all.
